06Dec18

Russia did not test missiles for the Iskander-M tactical missile systems with a range that would
violate the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), Chairman of Russia’s State
Duma (lower house of parliament) Defense Committee and former Commander of the Russian
Airborne Troops, Vladimir Shamanov, said at a State Duma plenary meeting on Thursday.

"They have one claim against us, about the Iskander-M missile. They allege that, according to
their classified data, there is evidence that we tested it," the lawmaker said. "I declare with full
responsibility that we did not test any missiles of such a range (more than 500 km - TASS),... and
Mr. [US Secretary of State Michael] Pompeo is aware of that," he stressed.

On Tuesday, Pompeo said after the meeting of NATO defense ministers that the US would stop
honoring its commitments under the treaty, if Russia did not return to compliance with that
accord within 60 days.

On October 20, US President Donald Trump said that his country would withdraw from the INF
Treaty, because Washington believes Russia violates it. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei
Ryabkov described this decision as a dangerous step. Berlin and Beijing criticized Washington’s
move. London expressed support for the US, while NATO blamed Russia for Trump’s decision.

[Source: Itar Tass, Moscow, 06Dec18]

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